Ep 026: Gina Litvack: Promise Me You’ll Keep Him Loved and Safe, Part 2

This is Part 2 of Gina Litvack’s story. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I recommend starting there.

After years of being told no while pursuing adoption as a single woman, Gina finally stepped into the life she had been hoping for.

In this episode, Gina shares what happened next.

From the moment everything shifted, to navigating those first few days as a new mom, to bringing her son home, this part of her story captures the reality behind the moment she had waited so long for.

She opens up about the emotions, the uncertainty, the support she experienced along the way, and the deep sense of gratitude she carries today.

What you’ll hear in Part 2:
• The moments leading up to bringing her son home
• What those first days looked like as a new mom
• The unexpected support she experienced along the way 
• How her perspective on life and motherhood has shifted
• The joy and meaning she carries today

At the heart of this story is a reminder that the path may not look the way you expected, but it can still lead exactly where you’re meant to be.

Every life has a story worth telling. Follow Unspoken Lives Podcast on your favorite podcast app and join the conversation. Visit unspokenlivespodcast.com and follow @unspokenlivespodcast on Instagram. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

You're tuning in to part two of this conversation. If you haven't heard part one yet, I encourage you to pause and start there first. Let's jump back in. Welcome to Unspoken Lives, the podcast that uncovers the powerful, untold stories of everyday people. The real stories you don't always hear, but ones that deserve to be told. I'm your host, Kelsey Billingsley. In each episode, we'll explore journeys of growth, resilience, and transformation. Conversations with guests who have faced challenges, embraced change, and discovered new purpose along the way. Through their stories, you'll find inspiration, hope, and a reminder that every life has a story worth telling. Let's dive into this next unspoken life. Something else you had mentioned to me when we met that obviously you couldn't, because of HIPAA laws, you weren't allowed to know anything. But I feel like there was like an angel watching out for you.

SPEAKER_00 1:05

So I kept on asking questions, you know, why was he air lifted at the hospital? Why was he there? And again, they couldn't tell me a lot because of HIPAA. So I knew what I was capable of handling as a single parent. Right. Um and I've learned a lot through the adoption process. You know, I was shocked on the things that I've learned. But I remember Thursday, I got a phone call and it was like unidentified on the caller ID. Before the adoption. Yeah, okay. The Thursday before I went to pick him up. And I picked up the phone because I was just trying to organize everything. And I heard a voice on the other end, and like he's doing amazing. He's so loved, and he's just so incredible. And he's healthy. And then there was a click, and I'm like, Wow, it was crazy because I had so many questions, even going to go get him to make sure like I could do this, you know. Because it is just me. Yeah. And so that was just incredible.

SPEAKER_01 2:16

That's amazing. Yes. Shows you how much he was loved in the hospital too before Yeah, someone was looking definitely out for him and for me.

SPEAKER_00 2:26

And even the minute I was at the hospital, as they were teaching me how to swaddle and what he liked to eat, and how he liked to eat, and you know, they were teaching me all these things. People were just coming up to him and just saying goodbye with tears in their eyes, rolling down their cheeks. And they were you could just tell he was so loved there. And I'll tell you another thing. I remember my sister and I at the house skipping ahead of them. That's nice. But I remember the nurse gave me her phone number, and she's like, anything you need, just let me know. And I remember my sister was setting up the two bassinets, which is a funny story in itself. And um, we put I put him down for a sec because I had to help her with something. There was like blood curdling screams, and I'm like, oh my gosh. So my sister has three kids, and she's like, pick them up, pick him up, pick up. So I was like, picked him up. And I remember the nurse, I think the nurse called her. I called the nurse. And I'm like, I couldn't believe like he was screaming and I don't know what happened. She's like, wait, what happened? And she's like, You put him down? And I'm like, Yeah, she's like, before he was sleeping, and I'm like, Yeah, just for one second, just so we could one second. And she's like, He's never been put down. The cuddlers cuddled him until he's left. The nurse is cut, like he was always sleeping when he was laid down. He didn't like that.

SPEAKER_01 3:44

That is so funny. I know. You mentioned the two bassinets.

SPEAKER_00 3:49

Oh gosh. My sister, she I I have a picture of her, even like because we had to go to Walmart because we had nothing. The hospital hooked us up as far as like food and tigers and swaddles and stuff, but we had to get like everything. Going to a house Airbnb with nothing. And I didn't know how long I was gonna be there because you know, when you take a baby from state to state, it has to clear both states. And so there was, you know, a little I didn't know how long I was gonna be there. Right. I remember we had to go to Walmart and I'm like just get the necessities, just get the essentials, you know, just whatever we think we need. And she's like, she's a list girl. I'm just like, I go to the grocery store blind. She has a whole list and I had a picture of the list, her doing the list. And thank goodness I love pictures so much. I've always loved pictures because I have a picture of everything, and uh just days like this, I look, I just look at them and go over everything. So I remember I was sitting in the car with him as my sisters in Walmart and just looking at him and being like, oh, it's you and I feel like this is so real right now. And he just was just so beautiful. And um, and I look, and my sister has a cart, and then a Walmart worker, because you can see the month has a cart, and then another cart, and I'm like, Daddy, what are you doing? This is crazy. But yeah, so we had two bassinets because she didn't know which one would be supplies, yeah, which one would be comfortable. It was so crazy. We were set and driving, and then the care the property caretaker came and met us with his wife, and they were just so uh lovely. And then I just remember driving up to where we were staying, and oh my gosh, it was just acres and acres of just beautiful with animals. The house was the be most beautiful house I've ever stayed in. It was so surreal and so perfect to bring for his first home and his first house to go to. Yeah, it was peaceful, and there was animals and lakes and tranquility, and it was actually just perfect. Yeah, that's amazing. So, how were those first few days? They were amazing. My sister was there and for the weekend, and then I had a friend come out in New York to help me and just got me the person that owned the property. She was incredible. She was so incredible. She made like homemade made bagels and made chicken, fresh eggs every morning, and homemade cream. You were meant to be there. It was insane, like insane. Like every new mom should go there. It was just absolutely insane. I remember we had um a stroller and we just took, we went for walks, and it was just amazing. Um I was scared, but I had the support of my sister and my friend. And then when they left, I had the support of the owner's German Shepherd who never left the main house where where she lived, but always was at my door every morning when I woke up. It was crazy. Um, but so I had the support of the dog, and we were there for three weeks. And three weeks, that's a long time. It was a long time, but I think I needed that. Um I needed that. I had to work a little bit, but the internet was so so. So my company really knew um and was so understanding, and my clients were so understanding. Of course, but we really bonded Hudson and I. It was just such a time that I cherish, and I think sometimes like when you get home with a baby, you know, you have so much going on, and we just had each other and this beautiful, serene place that we were at.

SPEAKER_01 7:40

And nothing else taking your attention either.

SPEAKER_00 7:43

Like that was all for walks and spent some time and just really spent some time together, and I it was a yeah. Have you ever gone back? I meant to. I very much we're still in touch actually. Thank goodness for Facebook because she sees him and I see how her family's doing, and um 2020 hit and kind of put a halt on things, but I'm gonna definitely it's I'm gonna definitely do it. I I need to.

SPEAKER_01 8:14

Yeah, that's amazing. Okay, so three weeks, new baby. What does life look like coming back home then? I was so scared to travel with him.

SPEAKER_00 8:24

I was I remember going to the doctor. We had to go to doctor visits in Georgia, and it was so nerve-wracking. I'm from Chicago, so I know how to drive, but oh my gosh, when my son in the car, that's completely different. Different story. So I remember I had my one of my best friends was coming to help me travel back with him, and she got sick, and so she couldn't go. And so I'm like, do I drive back to Texas? Do I fly back? And so I'm like, okay, I'm just gonna book my flight. And um, I mean, I'm kind of a bossy deleg, I delegate person. I never delegated so much in my whole entire life at that airport. I remember pulling up, like I couldn't even go to the rent a car place because it was too far, and I didn't want to put him on a shuttle. So I call the rent a car place. I'm like, I have a newborn. I'm like, I'm by myself, I'm a single mom. You need help me. I my sister bought all this stuff and I I have to get it back. I said so you please just meet me there. And they met me there, and then people were helping me with the luggage and the ticket people, and it was Did you have both bassinets? No, we did return okay. We returned a lot of stuff. Thank goodness. But I did have a lot of stuff, and I remember shipping some stuff too. I remember the groundskeepers like, I'll just ship everything. People are so kind. I mean, it was incredible.

SPEAKER_01 9:44

So I mean, you're a new mom, but then at the same time, it's like this inspirational story of like you're adopting someone who needs you. Like, I'm sure people just want to help in that moment.

SPEAKER_00 9:55

Yeah, and it was incredible. And I'm not sure who needed who more or I the time. It's funny because when people hear about adoption, everyone is always like, You're he's so lucky to have you. And I always say, I'm like, no, no, no, no. I'm like, I'm the lucky one to have him. I always correct people because it happens a lot. And I'm like, no, no, no, no. Yeah. So I remember we got on the airplane and we get home, and then I remember my friend was visiting here.

SPEAKER_01 10:26

Wait, there was a story on the airplane you didn't share.

unknown 10:28

Oh my gosh.

SPEAKER_00 10:29

So I remember I get the first seat and um there was a young kid or young man, sorry, not kid, young man there, and he rolled his eyes. Probably a lot of people, because I he's a newborn, I he's so bundled up, and I'm um just trying to like probably tell people what to do.

SPEAKER_01 10:48

Like for the luggage there. Don't touch him, don't look at him. Because I was so nervous because he's gonna be brand new.

SPEAKER_00 10:54

Yeah. And I remember him rolling his eyes and I look at him and I said, Listen, I said, This is my new son. I said, please don't roll your eyes. I said, because when I have to go to the ladies' room or take a sip of my drink or something, you need to hold him. So here's some sanitizer. I said, I need you to use this. And he's looking at me like wide-eyed. And I'm like, and just please be kind. He's like, okay. So I remember going to the ladies' room.

SPEAKER_01 11:19

I hope he listens to this.

SPEAKER_00 11:20

And giving and giving him, oh my gosh, I hope so too. And giving, and I'm like, please hold him for me. And he was all bundled up and he'd like holding him and he's supporting his head and everything. And I go to the ladies' room and I come back and he's just smiling. And like, I I swear I saw his mouth move. I think he was talking to my son. And he's like, just get settled, sit down, get settled, don't worry. I got him.

SPEAKER_01 11:43

It was the cutest thing ever. Probably changed his life. I hope he has like 10 kids. He probably does. And he probably says, It's that crazy lady on the airplane. Exactly. Forced me to hold her newborn. Exactly. So awesome. I love that story. I and oops, sorry. I interrupted you. You were talking about, I think, going home.

SPEAKER_00 12:02

Oh, driving, yeah. So I remember my friend, she was visiting, she was doing business in um Texas. She was living in St. Louis and she was inside. And I'm like, I don't know how to do this car seat. I'm like, I have no idea how to put a car seat in my car. Can you, you know, my friend got me a car seat and she brought it to me and um was installing it. And then she was like so cute because she was like kissing him and she was like, Oh my god, tears were rolling down her eyes. Because people have known. I remember people asking me, you know, you're younger, they're like, How many kids do you want? And like, I've always like, I want 10 kids. Like, I always wanted children, and everyone that was in my life knew that about me. And so she was just so happy. And of course, so she drove with me, and we got home, and um just my close friends. Um, it was just so incredibly uh uh something I'll just never forget. Yeah, yeah, incredible. I love that, yeah. Well, I think my friend actually drove because I was too scared to drive still. Probably remember probably told her to drive. Exactly. Exactly.

SPEAKER_01 13:10

Um, I just think this is such a beautiful story of motherhood, but also just, you know, having this calling on your life early on, you know, of being a mom and just not giving up on it and following what you know you're meant to do. So I'm curious, what would you say to someone listening who, whether it's having kids or something else, what would you say to them if they're in that waiting period and trying to figure it out?

SPEAKER_00 13:36

I talk to so many people because a lot of people I mean I'm very proud of adoption, right? I'm so proud of our story, and I really want him to know that adoption for us was all about love and she couldn't take care of him. It was selflessness and she knew that, and she just wanted the best for him. Yeah. Um, I know there's all different things that all people experienced adoption differently. I've heard people who found out they were adopted at 35 years old and they had no idea. Um so there's all different kinds of stories. I mean I I always want to advocate for it. People come to me and I always tell them not to give up. I was just at the dentist's office and she's like, my sister-in-law really wants to adopt. She, they're really scared and they're really this. And I'm always just encouraging people not to give up on their dream. And it's a dream come true for me every day. As I told you, I pinch myself that this happened. I was always driven as a human and a person, and I just never wanted to give up on anything. And if you want, I mean, I was 49 years old when I got Hudson. So um I just have to. I remember when all my friends were getting married and having kids, and I was going to bridal showers and baby showers and brisses and all these things. And I'm like, oh, it's it's gonna happen. It's definitely gonna happen. There's a reason why it's taking a little longer. And you're so positive. I had to be. I think I think I trained my brain for that. And I just every morning and every night I see him and I'm like, just thank you, God, for everything that you've done for me. I just would tell people not to give up. Yeah, no matter what, no matter the finances or um age, or if you're divorced, or if you're you know, anything. Yeah. Just pursue it because you're it's you're worth it. I'm I'm worth it, he's worth it, you're worth it.

SPEAKER_01 15:34

Yeah. And you mentioned before you think you might have needed him more than he needed you. A hundred percent. Can you expand on that a little bit on how he's changed your life? Oh gosh.

SPEAKER_02 15:45

Sorry.

SPEAKER_00 15:48

Um I you know, I always had so much love in my heart. I've always I have six nieces, nephews, and three grandnieces and nephews, and I always love them so deep and hard in my family and my friends, and this is a love that I've never experienced in my whole life. And how it just reinforced everything that I've lived for. Um he brings just so much joy and laughter and unconditional everything. Yeah. You know, being a mom is hard, obviously, everybody and being a dad is hard to do, I'm sure. And being a single parent is hard. But I just look at him and look at our lives together and what we built, and uh, you know, how I wished for this. This is a dream come true. I wish for this. I remember like blowing out candles, birthday candles, and you know, even just I wished for a family, and um you know, love made our family.

SPEAKER_01 16:56

Yeah, that's beautiful. I love that. Um what do you think helped you stay strong throughout this whole process?

SPEAKER_00 17:06

I think my determination and I've always fought for things. I had a great career. I always remember working really hard, always, and um seeing that things paid off. I was I loved what I did. I surrounded myself with amazing people, a small group, but amazing people. My family, my nieces and nephews, just I saw their joy, and you know, growing up being their aunt was just such a I take pride in that because it was such great moments. It was just strength and training my brain that this is gonna happen. And you know, it might not have I might have not met my husband and had the white picket fence and had the wedding of every you know girl I think maybe dreams about and kids, but again, love made my fence. Your white picket fence. My oh my gosh, yes, so much yes, and it's just pure love. Yeah, my motto and my I always say love makes a family, love made my family.

SPEAKER_01 18:11

That's beautiful. What's one of the biggest things you want listeners to take away from hearing your story?

SPEAKER_00 18:18

I want them to take away that not to give up on anything. Yeah, even when things get hard. Because you know, days are hard too. Just don't give up on what you want in your life, no matter what it is. If you don't want kids, if you do want kids, if you want to cruise around Europe because it's hard sometimes with society and especially now with social media. Oh yeah, everybody thinks they're you know, influencer lives and all that stuff, and everything's so perfect. Well, I perfect, there's nothing, nothing's perfect. So I figure it's really hard to see all that stuff. And it was hard for me too, growing up and going to weddings and you know, seeing my friends get married and having kids and babysitting and seeing all that, but I just always believed that it was gonna happen. So you just really I would say just believe in yourself. Yeah, love yourself and believe in yourself. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 19:13

Well, and that's really the purpose behind this podcast, too, is you know, we all walk around with masks on. Um, so it's kind of breaking that down and showing who we truly are and that everyone has a story. I mean, like I said, you and I live in the same neighborhood, and I didn't know you or any of this. And we're right here.

SPEAKER_00 19:32

I loved when you posted that you were telling people stories and getting it out there because I advocate so much for adoption, and it's been on my mind so much to help people adopt and help single people adopt. I haven't right now had the time to do it just because I'm really focused on mommying and well, you're doing it right now. Exactly. So that's why I emailed you or you know, answered you. I was like, oh my God, this is so important. And so thank you. This is so amazing. Of course, what you're doing for people and helping and getting the word out there. Yeah. This is exactly what I envisioned myself doing and what I wanted to do, and you're gonna help so many people.

SPEAKER_01 20:12

Oh, thank you. And I think your story is gonna help people. I just want to say thank you, obviously, for sharing your story, but we've only met twice now. This is the second time, but you just have this joy that like bursts out of you like a sunshine. I don't know how else to say it, but it's just so beautiful. Um, and I love hearing your story, but um I just I love the joy that comes out of you. So I just I had to say that. Well, thank you. I also want to say, since listeners can't see, but you're holding a photo book that you brought. I'd love for you to share a little bit of about that.

SPEAKER_00 20:47

I, you know, it's so funny because my family and my friends always um always taking pictures because I love memories. And I'm telling you, I have pictures like this my like of the charge nurse of the administration, of doctors holding up, even outside the hospital. He has a lot of hair. Yes, he still has a lot of hair. Oh my gosh. But just of everything, of even the addresses of everything. Look, my sister making her list and the house, like it's just I mean so perfect for what you needed, so surreal, yeah, and just so ideal, and just waking up to farm animals, and it was just incredible. Yeah, and yeah, we can definitely show some of these pictures. Yeah, that's beautiful. I remember the first blanket we got was Dream Big Little One. Oh. And I it just him even holding my hand was such a tight grip. I do all babies do that.

SPEAKER_01 21:46

I mean, I know they hold, but I don't know. I mean, I have three kids, but I don't remember, you know, was it right away?

SPEAKER_00 21:52

I I don't I don't remember the timing, but it was just life uh changing and you know the word Happy always comes to mind. I have never been happier in my whole entire life.

SPEAKER_01 22:05

Well, I mean I didn't know you before this, but you just, like I said, your sunshine should be your middle name. Sunshine. I love that. Um, well, again, I just want to thank you. I know today was an emotional day for good reasons. Those are good tears that you have. And I know that this story is gonna impact someone, and I can't wait to get it out there. So thank you for your time. I'm so grateful, of course. That's it for this episode of Unspoken Lives. If today's story moved you, inspired you, or made you reflect on your own journey, hit that subscribe button so you don't miss the next powerful conversation. I'm always on the lookout for new guests. If you know someone with a story that deserves to be shared, I'd love to hear from you. Check the show notes for contact details and make sure to follow along on social media at Unspoken Lives Podcast. Until next time, keep listening, keep sharing, and remember, every life has a story worth telling.